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All eyes on Trent as he faces Anfield again
By Tum Balogun
Trent Alexander-Arnold is the story of the night. The England right back makes his first return to Anfield since joining Real Madrid, facing a crowd that once sang his name.
He was Arne Slot’s vice captain last season, a local lad who lifted trophies and embodied Liverpool’s academy dream. Now he comes back in white, with Real fans behind him and Liverpool supporters unsure whether to cheer or jeer.
Slot said he’ll give Trent a warm welcome, but admitted he has ‘no clue’ how the fans will react.
Madrid fans in good spirits ahead of clash
By Tum Balogun
Real Madrid supporters have travelled in big numbers and are making themselves heard in Liverpool tonight.
Fans were pictured around the city earlier waving scarves and posing for photos outside Anfield, mixing happily with locals ahead of kick-off.
Trent and Alonso pay tribute to Jota
By Tum Balogun
Trent Alexander-Arnold returned to Anfield on Monday night to lay flowers in memory of his former teammate Diogo Jota, who was killed alongside his brother Andre in a car crash in July.
The message from Trent read: My mate Diogo. You are so missed but still so loved… Forever 20. YNWA.
Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso, defender Dean Huijsen and club legend Emilio Butragueno also paid their respects outside the stadium.
Trent’s mural defaced before Anfield return
By Tum Balogun
Anfield is braced for a fiery night after the Trent Alexander-Arnold mural near the ground was vandalised ahead of his first return since joining Real Madrid.
The artwork, celebrating his rise from academy prodigy to Champions League winner, was found covered in graffiti overnight. Locals spotted messages aimed at the England defender, whose move to Spain in the summer still divides opinion.
It adds another layer to what was already a tense reunion, as Liverpool prepare to welcome back one of their own in unfamiliar colours.
Anfield under the lights as Liverpool host Real Madrid
By Tum Balogun
The stage could hardly be bigger. Liverpool face Real Madrid in a Champions League tie packed with storylines, as two European heavyweights meet once more under the Anfield lights.
Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to his boyhood club for the first time since leaving for Madrid in the summer, with the right back braced for a fierce reception from home fans. In the Madrid dugoout stands Xabi Alonso, another former Red now thriving as Real boss after guiding them to six straight wins in all competitions.
Six time winners against the 15 time champions, this feels like one of those proper European nights. Liverpool need a result to prove Arne Slot’s rebuild is gathering pace.
We'll have all the updates ahead of the 8pm kick-off, as well as information from north London, where Tottenham take on FC Copenhagen.
